Residents in Regina have been encountering coyotes in local parks, with reports of sightings in Les Sherman Park and Kiwanis Waterfall Park since August. Scott Paton, a frequent park visitor, shared his experience of coming across a curious coyote in mid-August while walking his dogs. Despite the close encounter, he remained calm and continued on his walk, alerting others about the wildlife presence.
Concerns have been raised by some residents in the Cathedral neighborhood, especially after incidents where coyotes approached people and pets. One resident recounted being chased by a coyote in Les Sherman Park, highlighting the uneasy interactions reported on social media. Regina City Councillor David Froh also had a firsthand encounter with a coyote during his morning run in Les Sherman Park, noting the animal’s comfort around humans and pets.
In response to the persistent sightings, the City of Regina confirmed receiving reports of two coyotes in the area and is collaborating with provincial conservation officers to safely remove and relocate the animals. Froh emphasized the importance of public safety and proper handling of wildlife encounters, highlighting that tranquilization methods will be used for relocation.
While acknowledging that coyote sightings can be alarming, Froh reassured residents that such encounters are not uncommon in the city. He emphasized the need for coexistence with wildlife and urged residents to report any sightings that pose safety risks to the community. As efforts are underway to address the coyote presence, the importance of prioritizing safety for both pets and wildlife was underscored.
In parallel to these real-life encounters, the movie “Coyote vs. Acme” is currently showing in Regina theaters, offering a fictional take on coyote adventures. Froh encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any wildlife sightings that may pose a threat to public safety to the City of Regina.
